When it comes to managing IT infrastructure in a healthcare setting, there are several options available. Two of the most popular options are virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and traditional desktop infrastructure (TDI). While TDI has been the standard for many years, VDI is rapidly gaining popularity due to its numerous benefits.
So, which one is better for healthcare? Let’s take a closer look.
What are VDI and TDI?
First, let’s define what VDI and TDI are. TDI is the traditional model of IT infrastructure, where each user has their own physical desktop computer or laptop. All the software and applications needed for their job are installed on their machine.
In contrast, VDI is a virtualized environment where a single server hosts multiple desktop environments, each of which can be accessed remotely by a user via a thin client, a web browser, or a mobile device.
Benefits of VDI for Healthcare
VDI provides improved accessibility and flexibility for healthcare workers. With VDI, healthcare professionals can access patient information securely from any device, including personal devices, allowing them to work remotely when needed. This is especially important during emergencies or pandemics, where healthcare workers may need to work from home.
VDI enhances security in healthcare settings. With VDI, sensitive patient data is stored centrally and protected by advanced security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption. This reduces the risk of data breaches, which are a major concern in the healthcare industry due to the sensitive nature of patient information.
VDI can provide cost savings in the long run. While the initial investment in VDI may be higher than TDI, the overall cost of ownership is often lower due to reduced hardware and maintenance expenses. In addition, VDI can reduce energy consumption and IT staff time, further reducing costs.On the other hand, TDI has its own benefits. TDI can provide faster performance and better graphics quality, which is important for some healthcare applications, such as medical imaging. TDI also allows for more customization, as each user has their own desktop environment with their preferred settings and applications.
VDI vs. TDI for Healthcare
So, which one is better for healthcare? It ultimately depends on the specific needs of the healthcare organization. If flexibility, security, and cost savings are top priorities, VDI may be the better option. If faster performance and more customization are necessary, TDI may be the better choice.
How Anteris Can Help
Both VDI and TDI have their own advantages and disadvantages in healthcare settings. Healthcare organizations should carefully consider their specific needs and goals when deciding which option to choose.
As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two infrastructure models develop and adapt to the changing needs of the healthcare industry.
Anteris Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) uses our enterprise-grade private cloud to provide remote computing. Information is stored on the cloud instead of the devices your team is using. That means you and your team can access the data and programs you need from any location around the globe.